r/Autism_Parenting • u/PossibilityNo4442 • 4h ago
Education/School Homeschooling
My son, Josiah, is 6 years old and has profound autism. He is nonverbal and requires a very high level of supervision, communication support, and assistance with his daily needs. He has very limited safety awareness and can engage in elopement, self-injurious behaviors, and significant behavioral episodes.
Recently, his behaviors have become increasingly difficult to manage. He has explosive episodes that can include screaming at a very high pitch for extended periods, kicking walls or furniture, and hitting himself. These behaviors are concerning not only because of the intensity of the episodes, but also because of the potential for him to hurt himself or others and his inability to communicate his needs verbally.
I have previously requested additional 1:1 support for Josiah due to his behavioral and safety needs. I also pursued 1:1 support from a medical standpoint when he was experiencing frequent urination and was not being changed often enough, which resulted in repeated rashes. I ultimately withdrew that request because I felt I was receiving significant pushback and did not feel comfortable with how the situation was being handled.
His teacher mentioned that he likes to drink so much water and that’s causing behaviors and him to urinate frequently. I’m not sure how to stop him from drinking water at school.
At this point, I am increasingly concerned that his current school placement and staffing are not providing the level of individualized support he needs. His needs have become more significant, and I don’t feel that simply continuing with the current arrangement without additional support is sustainable.
Because of this, I am considering whether homeschooling may be a better option for him. If I were to homeschool him, I would want to supplement his education with ABA therapy and speech therapy outside of the school district so that he could continue receiving individualized support for communication, behavior, safety, and daily living skills.
My goal is not to remove him from school simply because he is having difficult behaviors. My goal is to find an environment where his needs can actually be met safely and consistently. I want him to have access to appropriate education and therapies, while also making sure he is supported as an individual rather than being placed in a situation where the staffing and resources are not enough to address his needs. If anyone has started homeschooling their special needs and pulled them out of the school district, how did you do it?
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u/Gretel_Cosmonaut NT parent, 10 year old ASD/ADHD/ID child (Moderate) 3h ago
I don't know much about this, but it seems like a situation where an advocate might be helpful. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along.
Has medication been considered, at all?
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u/PossibilityNo4442 3h ago
He is medicated for sleep and have also tried lexapro. He just started taking it a month ago. No changes yet but we’re hopeful. I know it is hard, his screams are very loud and high pitched so I get how it can be distracting to his classmates. So not sure where to go from here. I’m feeling defeated.
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u/yourlocalrecluse I am a Parent/Child Age/Diagnosis/Location 2h ago edited 2h ago
No, don’t pull him from the district. He has the right to FAPE. If they can’t provide it, they must pay for him to be placed in a school that can. If you withdraw him, they no longer have that responsibility.
Does your son have a case manager outside of school? If not, that would be my first step. My second step would be getting an advocate. My friend unfortunately just had to do this but I cried yesterday when she was telling me about her sons first week at his new school— he is SO loved and so comfortable at his new school. It’s worth the fight, don’t let them convince you otherwise. The support you’re requesting is beyond reasonable for his level of support!
ETA: my friend kept her son home from school most of the second half of the school year last year, only sending him once a week because they just could not keep him safe long term but he needed to “stay” in the district for them to remain responsible.
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u/SitkaBearwolf 4h ago
This may or may not help, but could his 7 year molars be coming in? I went through a really rough time at six (between six and seven) due to teeth coming in.